16-23 year olds will have to go through an average of 15 interviews before successfully landing their first job, according to new research by Barclays LifeSkills. 31 per cent of young people worry they don’t have enough experience to secure a job, leaving them nervous when interviewing and unable to perform to their best.
Despite many developing core transferable skills – such as problem solving and adaptability - through extra-curricular activities and part time jobs, a third (33 per cent) of young adults are unsure of how to make them seem relevant in job interviews.
Kirstie Mackey, Head of LifeSkills at Barclays said: “Looking for your first full-time job can be a difficult experience and it’s no bad thing to be prepared to face some rejection. However, it’s important that young people not only remain resilient, but understand how many relevant, desirable skills they bring to the table and that they go into interviews with confidence and be set up for success.”
Barclays LifeSkills helps people recognise the skills they have from participating in a range of activities, such as captaining a football team or volunteering at a local charity, and how to best apply them in the workplace.
To encourage and inspire young people to recognise their strengths as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Barclays LifeSkills is working with Barclays Football Ambassador and former footballer, Ian Wright. With his unique perspective, he wants to inspire young people to recognise their strengths and help them succeed?
LifeSkills Top tips for transferring your skills to job interviews:
- Seize your transfer window: – it’s important to understand what core transferable skills you have developed through school, extra curriculars (like football!) or maybe a part time job. When you’re preparing for an interview, go through the job description and beside each point, write down which transferable skill you have in that area – don’t forget to include examples which show how you have applied them!
- Every team needs a coach: whether it’s a parent, teacher, sports coach, or mentor – find someone who can chat through your experience and skills. Often, they will recognise talents you didn’t know you had, or spot areas where you can brush up on.
- Avoid own-goals: preparation is key ahead of any job application or interview – give yourself the best chance for success by doing plenty of research and practising with someone beforehand.
For more information about Barclays LifeSkills visit barclayslifeskills.com
